C.L. Ford’s scientific contributions

A 1D numerical model of a straight-tube Coriolis meter has been implemented and used to generate a simple and intuitive parametric relationship to predict sensitivity. This model is intended to aid the design of such meters and avoid the need to run a large number of time-consuming simulations. Three parameters were identified as being instrumental in determining the sensitivity of a meter: dimensionless bending stiffness (Σ̃), proximity to the Euler buckling limit (R̃) and the dimensionless sensor spacing (χ̃). Parametric relationships for sensitivity (dimensionless time-lag) and natural frequency were developed. These equations allow for the complete and rapid design of a straight-tube Coriolis meter with insignificant computational effort. The parametric model was validated against 11 experimental data sets, covering a range of flow conditions, tensions and materials. In all cases, the parametric model performed well, reporting a typical error of 2 to 5%.